In a game that had little bearing on the playoff race, the Washington Capitals faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 17, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena. With the Capitals already locked in as the number one seed heading into the playoffs, and the Penguins sitting out of the postseason, this matchup was more of a formality than a fierce rivalry battle. However, with superstars Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby on the ice, the atmosphere was electric, as fans packed the arena to witness what could be the final showdown between these two legends this season.
The puck dropped at 7:00 PM ET, and the game was broadcast live on ESPN. The Capitals opted for a creative lineup, starting fourth-string goaltender Clay Stevenson, who was making his NHL debut. Head coach Spencer Carbery decided to go with 13 forwards and 5 defensemen, aiming to keep his players healthy ahead of the playoffs. The Penguins, meanwhile, featured familiar faces like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson, though their roster lacked some of the depth seen in previous seasons.
As the first period got underway, the excitement was palpable. Just over four minutes into the game, the Capitals struck first. Connor McMichael scored at 04:08, tapping in a rebound off a shot from Tom Wilson, giving Washington a quick 1-0 lead. However, the Penguins responded swiftly. Just 46 seconds later, Bryan Rust tied the game at 1-1, pouncing on a rebound after a deflected shot found its way to him. The first period ended with a 1-1 tie, but not before the Penguins outshot the Capitals 13 to 5, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Moving into the second period, the Penguins took control. Bryan Rust scored again at 07:19 on the power play, assisted by Crosby and Ville Koivunen, putting Pittsburgh ahead 2-1. The Capitals fought back, and Dylan Strome scored an unassisted goal at 10:28, marking his 30th goal of the season. However, the Penguins challenged the play for offside, and the goal was overturned, much to the dismay of the Capitals fans.
Capitalizing on their momentum, the Penguins extended their lead at 11:56 with a goal from Sidney Crosby, assisted by P. Tomasino and C. Dewar. The Penguins were now leading 3-1, and it seemed the tide was turning decisively in their favor. The period continued to be a battle, with the Capitals pressing hard for a response. They found it late in the period when Alex Ovechkin scored a power-play goal at 16:56, marking his 897th career goal. Ovechkin's one-timer from the left circle electrified the crowd and brought the Capitals within one goal, ending the second period with the Penguins leading 3-2.
As the third period began, the Penguins looked to solidify their lead. Ville Koivunen nearly scored his first NHL goal early in the period, but it was disallowed after a review for a hand pass. Moments later, Danton Heinen scored an unassisted goal at 08:46, extending the Penguins' lead to 4-2. The Capitals were reeling, and just 15 seconds later, Philip Tomasino scored again for the Penguins, making it 5-2. The Penguins had found their rhythm, and it was clear that the Capitals were struggling to keep up.
Despite facing a barrage of shots, Clay Stevenson performed admirably in his debut, making several key saves throughout the game. However, the Capitals' defense faltered, and the Penguins capitalized on their opportunities. The final score reflected the Penguins' dominance as they outshot the Capitals 38 to 20, sealing a 5-2 victory.
The game marked an important moment for both teams. For the Capitals, it was a chance to assess their depth and prepare for the playoffs, while for the Penguins, it was a bittersweet end to a disappointing season. Ovechkin's pursuit of his 900th career goal continues, and with the playoffs approaching, the Capitals will look to build on their momentum.
As the final whistle blew, the Penguins celebrated their victory, while the Capitals began to shift their focus to the postseason. With the playoffs just around the corner, both teams will look to make their mark, but for now, the Penguins have claimed bragging rights in this storied rivalry.
